The appeal is that Facebook would control the hardware and software for a platform, so they couldn't get locked out of it or come to rely on functionality that

The appeal is that Facebook would control the hardware and software for a platform, so they couldn't get locked out of it or come to rely on functionality that the vendor removes (like Apple did with IDFA). It could also allow them to expand into the Enterprise space with Metaverse meeting rooms, conferences, etc. The justification for why Facebook is so interested in it is pretty clear, there isn't anywhere left to grow in their existing markets so they're attempting to create a new market. Now why a normal person would ever use it? I have no idea. I've tried Horizon Worlds and found the process deeply unpleasant. Then again I was a huge Dreamcast fan back in the day, so my track record for picking winning technologies isn't blemish-free.